Story perspectives

Brazil Boosts Russian Diesel Imports as Tankers Reroute

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia’s diesel tankers Flora 1 and Aurora changed course, with Flora 1 heading to the Suez Canal and Aurora to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Both loaded diesel at Primorsk in March—Flora 1 about 37,000 tons—while two other tankers carrying 106,000 tons now drift without a destination.
The diversions followed a price surge linked to the Iran escalation, prompting Brazil, importing 20-30% of its diesel, to depend on Russian supplies after the EU’s 2023 ban.

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Story summary

Russia’s diesel tankers Flora 1 and Aurora changed course, with Flora 1 heading to the Suez Canal and Aurora to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Both loaded diesel at Primorsk in March—Flora 1 about 37,000 tons—while two other tankers carrying 106,000 tons now drift without a destination.
The diversions followed a price surge linked to the Iran escalation, prompting Brazil, importing 20-30% of its diesel, to depend on Russian supplies after the EU’s 2023 ban.